Scott & Bailey

I have seen only two episodes so far of season 1, but already it looks like this female detectives duo is the among the best, definitely the best of the season. The chaotic private lives of DI's Janet Scott and Rachel Bailey and the solving of the cases are presented in a perfect mix. An especially good point: we are off dead bodies and CSI-like gore (at least for the first two episodes). They still exist, of course, but off-screen. The details are related to us in indirect ways, through the cops' case meetings, the questioning of suspects, conversations in cars, and walk-with-me talks. What we do see instead are the consequences of the crimes committed: We see them in the faces of wonderful hugely talented actors that fill even the tiniest role. It makes up more than enough for the only grievance I have: spoiled by the lavish period production of Inspector George Gently I was hoping to see more of the Yorkshire landscape.

I couldn't stop until I've watched all 6 episodes in a row. Suranne Jones and Lesley Sharp give a brilliant performance alongside the other cast. I loved that it's one of a few stories set from women's point of view, dealing with the professional and personal issues. I think we should have more of that. I can't judge if the work of police was shown true to life, but it definitely seemed more realistic than the 'bang-bang-case solved!' sort of shows. Scott and Bailey has cross-cutting plot lines, which also makes it more interesting to watch. I want to also point out the beautiful camera work. I hope for the next season!

Update for season 2. Could I love them more? I already can't wait for season 3. None of the characters is flat, even if they appear for a couple of minutes, the cases are still interesting, and I was glad that we also looked into not only Janet's and Rachel's personal lives, but of other characters too.

Solid, standard British detective show. Great to see strong female leads in a male dominated field. Amelia Bullmore as DCI Gill Murray is the standout scene stealer. Simply outstanding. The title characters are good, at times over acted. Story lines a bit unbelievable - hard to see why so many men would be obsessed with these two.

If you know Sally Wainwright's writing, this will be familiar stuff. Scott & Bailey follows the various relationships within a police team, focusing on two women, one mature and stable, the other young, talented and often unable to control her personal life. Their boss, another woman (amazingly enough) is tough, sharp and also not without her own personal issues.

It all works remarkably well. The characters ring true, even if they are somewhat exaggerated. The police work takes a back seat a lot of the time, but it's intelligently presented, and more realistic than in most straight cop shows. The perpetrators tend to be mentally challenged individuals, and bringing them to 'justice' is often an unsatisfying business. The acting is superb throughout, which definitely helps.

There are just two flaws worth mentioning. First, there are almost no admirable male characters. Some are major jerks. Several are immature jerks. And one or two are downright evil... and jerks.

Secondly, the view of the police is sanitized entirely beyond belief. This team simply never gets the wrong man, and never fails to zero in almost immediately on the right man - who is generally the obvious candidate. It's just about exactly the view of the police that the police would like you to have, and it simply comes off as too good to be true, given the realistic settings and situations.

It's a slanted view, to be sure, but that's the format. In a less believable show, you'd never question it. Here, the sense of realism is vivid enough that its limits seem a bit jarring. But none of this spoils the fun. Scott & Bailey is a smart, tough and emotionally involving series. Bear in mind that it's basically a very female-oriented soaper, and you'll be thoroughly entertained.

I was a detective in a Northern force and this show truly captures the atmosphere of the team, the work, the passions, the characters and the full gamut of human life that you are forced to confront. Great to see such real women characters leading the show, all 3 leads are almost too lifelike, these are women I've known. It may still be mostly a mans world, but these women really are out there. Two criticisms, the only flaw in the real life tapestry, the absence of the other kind of policewomen, those that make it hard on this kind..... And why does it have such an unimaginative title, especially when it's really about three women not two! Don't miss the best of British.....